MUSU CHEF PATRON MIKE SHAW'S INSIDER GUIDE TO MANCHESTER
FROM ELITE JAPANESE FOOD TO GUINNESS AND CONTINENTAL PASTA - MIKE SHAW GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON MANCHESTER
Mike Shaw is the current Chef Patron at MUSU, the luxury Japanese restaurant based in Manchester's high-end Deansgate area, and he's here to give us an Insider Guide to his fine city.
Mike started his career under the tutelage of the legendary Raymond Blanc at the two-star Oxfordshire institution Le Manoir, has a career roadmap across Michelin Star kitchens in the UK and beyond, and has worked with many of the world's most famous names including Ramsey, Neat, Pierre-White and Robuchon.
As well as his stint at Le Manoir, he has also held senior positions at the one star Hambleton Hall and Gordon's Aubergine among many others on his journey. Adding to his exceptional career, Mike now leads the team at MUSU, which includes lead Sushi Chef Andre Aguiar, a student of sushi master Yugo Kato, to create dishes of unparalleled quality for the restaurant's legions of fans across the country.
Before taking the role at MUSU, Mike spent over 6 months travelling Japan to gain an in-depth understanding of the culture and flavour behind Japanese cuisine, with his latest creation The Land Of The Rising Sun, being a true journey through the tastes of the country. With courses including carefully selected sets of Nigiri Sea Bream, O-Toro and Chu-Toro, Tempura Lobster and Teppan Scallop, rounded out with a Duck Yakitori, Umeboshi and Red Shiso and finished with a White Chocolate and Almond crumble with Soya Milk Crisp, the menu is truly a taste sensation.The restaurant rose like a Phoenix from the ashes, after a fire forced it to close for a year in 2005. In a now legendary hospitality story, Moore kept the entire team on, sending them to gain experience elsewhere, while he had it rebuilt, redecorated and resurrected.
It went on to be voted Restaurant Magazine's Best Restaurant in the World in 2007, and continues to hoover up accolades, from four AA Rosettes to the UK's No1 Vegan Tasting Experience.
MUSU, 64 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BN
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COFFEE
Michael's Coffee House
For my morning coffee, it has to be the excellent Michael's Coffee House. Housed in the Royal Exchange Arcade, it’s friendly and welcoming and has a killer double Macchiato that is perfect for those early starts.
Michael's Coffee House, Unit 20, Royal Exchange Arcade, M2 7EA
BREAKFAST
Ezra & Gil
A Manchester institution, Ezra & Gil have a few locations across the city but my personal favourite is on Hilton Street. It has a great vibe and is always busy, which is unsurprising when you consider they have such great food. For anyone visiting, Ezra’s Omelette is my personal pick.
Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 1FR
LUNCH
Dishoom
This is a really tough call, but I love popping into Dishoom for some Vegetable Samosas, Spicy Lamb Chops and a Chicken Tikka Roll. You can always guarantee that you’ll be getting a good quality lunch, and you should always wash it down with the house Chai as a treat.
Dishoom, 32 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
DINNER
Mana
The flagship restaurant of the city, it's just quality from when you arrive to when you leave and is well worth its stellar reputation. Simon deserves a great amount of credit for the consistency shown over the years, and it has a truly fantastic sommelier in Nikolai.
MANA, 42 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6BF
DRINKS
Mulligans of Deansgate
For me, Mulligans of Deansgate is a must, especially if you like a Guinness or two. It’s always bursting with atmosphere and live music, which really energises you after a long day. I’d personally follow it up with a couple of cocktails at Schofields Bar, which was recently named the best cocktail bar in the country - and if you try it, it’s easy to see why.
Mulligans of Deansgate, 12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB
INSIDER TIP
The Spärrows
The Spärrows. Hidden away in Manchester’s Green Quarter, it’s a great small business that serves fantastic food. The Goulash Tyrolese is something special, making it a great location to visit, especially if you are off to the AO Arena for a gig.
The Spärrows, 16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF
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